Dominion has acquired a solar project in Somers, Ct., capable of producing approximately 5 megawatts (AC) of electricity, from Kyocera in a deal that closed Oct. 22, 2013, for an undisclosed sum.

"Dominion looks forward to supplying solar energy to the people of Connecticut, where we already provide carbon-free nuclear energy from our Millstone Power Station," said David Christian, CEO of Dominion Generation.

"The Somers project joins a growing list of renewable projects that Dominion has announced or brought online this year as we maintain our focus on providing a mix of affordable, clean and reliable power."

"The State of Connecticut has put renewable energy at the forefront of our Comprehensive Energy Strategy, which has led to cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy for our families and businesses," Governor Dannel P. Malloy said.

"Continued support of one of the largest solar installations in our state by Dominion will ensure an overall commitment to closing the gap between the cost of renewable energy and power generated from fossil fuels. I am proud that Connecticut is home to this important solar installation."

Kyocera and CleanPath, a San Francisco-based clean-energy company, had jointly developed the Somers project, which is expected to begin commercial operation within the 4th quarter of 2013.

The Somers Solar Center will use Kyocera Solar, Inc.'s, photovoltaic technology to produce enough electricity to supply nearly 1,400 homes. The electricity will go to Connecticut Light and Power Co. under a 20-year purchased-power agreement.

"Kyocera modules can be counted on to continue yielding high energy output for that duration and beyond, serving the Somers Solar Project and the people of Connecticut well," said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar Inc. "Kyocera solar modules have a reputation of being some of the most efficient and reliable in the industry."

Somers Solar Center is located on 90 leased acres in north-central Connecticut, roughly 4 miles south of the Massachusetts state line. Prime Solutions Inc., a Connecticut-based company, is the center's engineering and construction contractor. The project provided about 80 jobs during the peak of construction, most of which came from locally-owned companies. Once in operation, the center will be serviced by a contractor.

This is Dominion's third announced large-scale solar project this year. In February, the company reported that it had acquired a 7.7-megawatt (AC) solar project, known as the Azalea Solar Power Facility, near Augusta in east-central Georgia. In July, Dominion acquired three solar projects near Indianapolis, Ind. - known as Indy I, II and III - that will generate 28.6 megawatts (AC) of electricity.

Other renewable projects coming online this year include three former coal stations in Virginia that are being converted to operate on biomass (waste wood) and Dominion's Bridgeport Fuel Cell Project, also in Connecticut.